I grew up in the 60s & JFK became & remains my hero. JFK+50 highlights the key events relating to JFK in an "on this day in history" format & includes other events in US & world history. The daily postings read as if published in a newspaper on the day of the event.

Bob Smith created the Howdy Doody character during his radio days at WNBC and Frank Paris created the 1st puppet for TV, a little boy in a cowboy suit with 48 freckles on his face, one for each state in the union.

The original Howdy Doody is on display at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

The Original Howdy Doody Puppet

Detroit Institute of Arts

Photo by Volkan Yuksel (2010)

The phrase "howdy doody" is the western offshoot of "how do you do?"

The signature TV program of the "Baby Boom" generation was telecast in black & white until 1954 and then became one of the first programs to be broadcast in "living color."

*Robert Emil Schmidt, aka Buffalo Bob Smith (1917-1998) was born in, where else, Buffalo, New York. He began his broadcasting career in radio at WGR and then was hired by WNBC in New York City. In addition to the Howdy Doody Show, Smith hosted the Gulf Road Show on NBC-TV during the 1948-49 season.Buffalo Bob died in Hendersonville, North Carolina at the age of 80.**"Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay" was 1st performed in Henry J. Sayer's revue "Tuxedo" in Boston in 1891.

JFK+50 MEMBERS

WHY JFK SHOULD BE IN THE NATIONAL SAILING HALL OF FAME

The nomination of President John F. Kennedy in 2017 during his 100th birthday celebration would benefit the NSHOF and Sailing. I believe the nomination of a popular president and naval hero would promote sailing. Several history and sailing experts have shown enthusiasm for JFK to be part of the NSHOF.

Good Wind, Good Sailing,

Jim Malone

JFK+50 TOURS

HISTORIC COUNCIL CHAMBER OF CHARLESTON

Charleston, South Carolina (JFK+50) JFK+50 is back in the Holy City and yesterday we had the opportunity to take a tour of the historic City Council Chamber. Docent Lindsay M.P. Barrios did a masterful job as our tour guide.

A TRIBUTE TO JFK BY THEODORE H. WHITE

"He made Americans realize that they were a young people--& youth is hope. In his brief moment, he had given America belief, as well as hope."

From The World Book's 1964 Yearbook Special Report

IN MEMORY OF RAY F. WHITE

UNCLE RAY,"Dad,The Tomato Man,"the inspiration for JFK+50, died on May 9, 2012 at the age of 98. On his daily posts, Dad wrote..."Time is so precious--do not waste it living for yourself but give a little of your time to others."